The Caffeinated Mommy's Mental Health Page

Because of the severity ofeating disorders, a comprehensive treatment team specializing in eating disorders is often essential in the healing and recovery process. Facing an eating disorder alone can be challenging, dangerous and often leads to relapse without proper support and guidance. There are safe and effective ways for someone to overcome an eating disorder.

​Wanting to help someone who has anorexia can feel like an overwhelming challenge. There are many Do’s and Don’ts involved when approaching a friend about their problem. While there are numerous services available to help people with eating disorders, there are also things that you can do to support someone you care for.

How to recognize anorexia

​There are several signs that indicate someone may be struggling with anorexia or other eating disorders. The presence of a couple of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean that anorexia is present, but it does represent a red flag to pay closer attention to your loved ones habits. Some of the core characteristics you may notice about your friend and examples are listed below.They have weight or body image concerns:

Expresses concern about body shape, or desire to lose weight.

Talks about dieting or is vigorously on a diet

Exercises more than they used, though do not increase calorie intake. They may also become upset then they cannot exercise

They begin wanting control over food or meal prepping:

Becomes unusually interested in preparing meals, but might not actually be eating the meals

Makes meals for themselves rather than eating what the family is eating

Becomes stressed when unable to control a situation related to food, such as a change in dinner plans.

They possess odd behaviors during and after meals:

Creates reasons to frequently visit the bathroom after a meal

Refuses to eat in the presence of others

Engages in peculiar food rituals, like cutting food into tiny pieces or eating foods in a certain order

Their mood and energy changes:

Appears more anxious, depressed, irritable or tired than normal

Seems to have less energy and becomes less interested in the activities they once loved

Instead, they may appear overly energized as they begin taking on all sorts of responsibilities and activities to revert their mind from eating

The best way to discuss treatment

​Support from friends and family is often key to encouraging loved ones with anorexia to seek help. They may be unaware that there is a problem, ashamed to seek help or hesitant about forfeiting their comfortable behaviors. Many people with anorexia find it difficult to seek help. Loved ones can play an important role in identifying symptoms to the sufferer and encouraging them to seek help. There are a few key things to remember to help you talk to your loved one.

Things you can do

​Do show compassion and listen non-judgmentally. People with eating disorders are possibly experiencing intense levels of emotional pain. Letting them know you care about them and want to help, is the most effective way of showing your support.

Do encourage them to seek professional help. This process may seem embarrassing or difficult for them. Reassure them that professional help is the most effective way to treat anorexia.

Do offer to help them find the right kind of support and treatment, and maybe even accompanying them to their first appointment.

Do remind them that eating disorders can be treated successfully.

Do be patient. People with eating disorders often take a while to change their behaviors. If there is a relapse or discouragement, encourage them to try again and to keep aiming for recovery.

What Not to do!

Don’t comment on the person’s weight or appearance at all, even if you are telling them they look very skinny. A person with an eating disorder already has low self-esteem, so focusing on what they look like could worsen the situation.

Don’t get frustrated by the person’s eating habits or try to force them to eat. Your anger may cause the person withdraw from your help.

Don’t try to guilt-trip the person by telling them how their eating disorder is affecting other people. A person with an eating disorder is probably feeling guilty already. This could also cause them to withdraw from you.

If you think your loved one is living with anorexia, help them seek treatment. Eating disorders are not treated overnight, and can be challenging to face alone. Seeking professional treatment can help the patient and their loved ones work through the issues together. People who have addictive or obsessive symptoms can receive comprehensive treatment from one of the thousands of rehabilitation facilities located across the country.

Do you have a loved one who you suspect has an eating disorder? Leave a comment and share tips that have helped.